A devastating fire ripped through a building undergoing renovation in central Brussels on Tuesday, leaving two people injured and six unaccounted for.
Authorities in the Belgian capital later confirmed the grim discovery of several charred bodies within an elevator at the site.
The blaze originated on the second floor of the building, located in a prominent shopping district, before rapidly spreading into a lift shaft, according to Brecht Speybrouck, a spokesperson for the Labor Audit Office.
A total of 250 workers were evacuated from the site. Two people sustained severe burns and were hospitalised, while six others remained missing.
Mr Speybrouck confirmed that charred remains were found inside one of the elevators, though he did not specify a number or clarify if these victims were among those initially reported missing.
Emergency services faced significant challenges in accessing the affected lift shaft.
Brussels mayor Philippe Close said that thermal cameras and sniffer dogs were deployed in the desperate search for victims.
He commended the swift response, stating: "firefighters, rescue workers and police were there immediately. Everyone knew what they had to do and that probably helped to avoid a greater tragedy."
Belgium's King Phillipe toured the site several hours later.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was “shocked” by the incident.
“My thoughts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone still in uncertainty,” Quintin said in a post on social media. “A sincere thank you to our fire department and all emergency services for their dedication.”
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